After a breakout 2013 campaign in which he played every game and established himself as an important cog in the Port back 6, Cam had a more difficult time of things in 2014. He was overlooked for a start in round one and played just two AFL games prior to round 16. It was an injury to Trengove which opened the door for Cam and he took the opportunity with both hands, playing all bar one game for the remainder of the season and contributing strongly for the most part. As it was in 2013, his intercept marking was the key feature of his game, along with an elite ability to run and create space between the arcs. There has been some speculation of a move back home to Victoria but given his enormous ability and potential, it is unlikely the club would look to let him go.

Great to see Cameron named in the Rd 1 side in the backline. Primus said the they were "not expecting great things" from him in this game, but he has obviously impressed enough over the pre-season to warrant inclusion in this game.

Great to see our younger players pushing for selection so early in the season.

Cameron was one of the shining lights of our rather dim 2011 season - he played 18 AFL games and impressed with his commitment to developing his game and his fitness levels. As with any rookie, his season had its ups and downs - but he was trusted with some big tagging roles, and kept showing his enthusiasm for the contest and for running until he can run no more.

Cameron finished 24th in the BigFooty Port Board B&F, and 15th in the John Cahill medal.

Cam had a surprisingly good season in 2011, playing 18 games at AFL level and becoming a rare player in not having played at SANFL level during his debut season. The Powers 4th and final pick in the 2010 draft, Cam impressed early with his high fitness level and end to end running throughout the pre season. He was rewarded with his debut AFL game in Round 1 against Collingwood.

His early season games were a bit shaky, playing the role of dropping back in the hole in defence. But after Round 3 he started to come into his own and with a move further up the field onto a wing he began to impact the game in a more positive fashion. He was strong against the Crows in Round 4 and was one of the clubs best players the following week against Gold Coast. His best game however came against St Kilda in Round 16 when he was given the task of running with Brendon Goddard. He performed admirably in his role and was given some other big tagging jobs throughout the year. Some he succeeded in, others he struggled, but you could never doubt his commitment to the contest nor his willingness to learn.

There are parts of Camerons game that he must continue to work on if he is to become a consistent AFL player. His decision making and foot skills can be shaky at times. If he can get these up to a very good level then there is every possibility that Cameron can become one of the clubs most consistent and versatile players heading into the future.

I'm really worried about O'Shea, Primus gifted him games when he wasnt ready and has potentially ruined him

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He'll be ok because he's very determined, hard working and has a level head on his shoulders. He's got a couple of good mates at the club in Boak and Gray who will also help him deal with it in a constructive manner.

There's no doubt that as guys like Young, Moore and hopefully Newton and Hitchcock step up, Cam will find himself further in the pack, but that's got to be good for the overall competitiveness within our squad for places.

I would think that in the long-term Cam could look at guys like Toovey and Goldsack from Collingwood as players who persevered and constantly kept improving to the point where they've gone from being perceived hacks to being valued contributors in a strong side.

Notes: After a bright start to his AFL career in 2011, second year blues hit Cameron in 2012, managing just the 4 matches at AFL level and missing a large portion of the year with injury. After a good showing in Round 1 against St Kilda, it all went downhill for Cameron in Round 3. Coming on in the last quarter as sub, he played an unfortunate part in 3 opposition goals in 3 minutes and was dropped the following week. A quick return in Round 14 against Geelong was his last taste of AFL football for the season before the last two months with a foot fracture. Tall, quick, courageous, fit…a strong pre season should see Cameron look to cement himself in the AFL lineup for 2013.